hardtack

See four posts above yours ;-)

Considering that GWS are going to be more than likely threatening our 186 deficit on more than one occasion this year (starting this Saturday), the only tanking that would get us to last position would be if we simply didn't turn up on game day (physically... not mentally as we have done so often in the past).

Possibly right, but I would contend that of all pre-season games, the game against the Pies was the most indicative of where we are at, due to the balance we had in the backs and the forwards. We struggled without the run of Grimes off the backline and without the pairing of Clark and Watts up forward. There's a good chance I am entirely wrong, but I have the feeling that we will be a lot better than people are giving credit for off the back of a couple of bad NAB Cup performances.

Simple explanation really... symptomatic of the stress associated with being a Time Lord.

"Clash of the Tight 'uns"

I have to say I'm rather surprised (or maybe not) that only 13 voters believe we will finish in the 8 while 49 believe we will finish outside it. I have opted for 7th simply based on the fact that we are a much better side than last year when we were very close to making the 8 despite the finishing position and the loss that must not be mentioned.

Confirmed... http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/130953/default.aspx

Jones was running laps during training in China for the Shanghai Showdown in October, following his injury... he is one very tough cookie!

Agree... and I recall seeing somewhere (AFL site?) an item that discussed the fact that NAB form is an indicator considering that in the past 12 years, only 4 NAB Cup finalists have missed out on playing finals footy in the season proper.

I think you'll find it's an ankle.

Magner

Gone!

Well, if we aren't getting to the ball, they don't have much choice but to call it that way (but I do know what you mean)

I just lost the connection :-(

Why are any of you surprised this would be such a parochial coverage... I remember years ago, it wasn't much different when we played at Kardinia and the only station covering the game was 3GL.

I see nothing wrong with that top 4... looks pretty reasonable... although I would have put Hawks first and daylight second.

Will see what I can do Jaded.

Well, melbournefc tweeted that the game will be available streamed via Fiveaa.

List of players available for free agency: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/130821/default.aspx

Not sure HG... I stream it to my iPad at home or at work over a wifi connection. I assume that if you are streaming over 3G, then you will be eating up your plan's data allowance?

I really don't care whether they are biased or not... I just want to hear the scores as they happen. Anyway, if we can run away with it, it could be enjoyable listening to them making excuses.

Game starts at 7:40pm Eastern time (7:10 in Adelaide) and is on radio Fiveaa (5aa) - so, if like me, you have an app like TuneIn Radio on iPad or iPhone (is there an Android version?), then you should be able to listen. For Twitter updates, follow @melbournefc

Wasn't your question answered before you asked it? "but when I saw the players donning them with pride (particularly Liam)"

I'm not sure what you expect Cam to do there LF... get hands on with the coaching side as well as administration?

In case any Sydney based Demonlanders are unaware, this Sunday (18th March) sees the Reclink Community Cup being played at Henson Park in Sydenham Rd, Marrickville (luckily, just a quick walk from my home). Teams are The Sydney Sailors and The Western Walors. It starts at 12pm with music from such luminaries as The Celibate Rifles, Front End Loader, The Meanies and one other I can't for the life of me remember. $10 admission (kids free). The Sydney Sailors will be captained by Adam Spencer and also include Alex Dyson, Tom Ballard, Scott Dooley, Merrick Watts and Rhys Muldoon. The Western Walors will be captained by Dan Sultan and include Damien Lovelock, Anthony Field (The Wiggles), Cec Condon (The Mess Hall) and Joel Beeson (Grand Jury Philadelphia).